2010-2011 Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study
Op-Ed template
This op-ed template has been developed for you to customize and distribute to your
area newspapers. The goal is to remind the community – government officials, patrons,
funders and others – the essential role libraries perform in today’s challenging economic
times.
Here are some tips for getting the op-ed published and increasing your library’s visibility:
 Gather your local library statistics and stories from library patrons you’ve helped
find a job or continue their education.
 Read media in print and online to identify opportunities with which to tie in your
opinion piece (e.g., library’s back to school resources or a recent budget story).
 You may want to time your submission of your op-ed around library related news
– either a national initiative such as September’s Library Card Sign up Month, or
a local/regional event that promotes your library in the community.
 Research the correct email for an op-ed submission to your area newspapers;
many times it is simply “opinion@nameofnewspaper.com.” Follow guidelines
(including word length) supplied by the newspaper.
 Many newspapers are increasing an online presence, and your op-ed may be
“online only.” This is still very important placement for you to discuss your
library’s local issues; the comments from readers help serve as a barometer for
your community’s opinion.
 Follow up by email or phone. The best times to reach an editor – by 10:00 AM or
so; the best days – Monday and/or Friday
 Once the op-ed is printed, use social media to promote the article: this could be
via twitter, an email list of library leaders, or linking to your library’s Facebook
page.
 You also can email the op-ed to producers for local radio and television, to
participate on commentary/news programs on regional issues such as library
funding and planning.
 Don’t be a stranger! Once the op-ed is placed, consider offering related topics
within the next six months to a year; this positions you as a resource for the
media – always a good thing.
 If you don’t have luck with placing your op-ed you might also contact a columnist
who covers related issues and provide that person with a summary of your op-ed
article.
Remember that the media has been affected tremendously by the current recession:
reporters and editors have lost jobs, and like many other industries, there are fewer
people doing more work. Be patient and be a resource for your media!
Public Library Funding & Technology Access Study
Op-Ed template (posted August 2011)
[State data for 5th paragraph at http://www.plinternetsurvey.org/?q=node/31]
Headline suggestions:
Today’s Public Libraries: Your Dynamic Digital Hub
Today’s Public Libraries: Digital Hub with “Killer Apps”
Quick! Name a community-based resource in [name of community] that offers free
computer and internet access, computer training classes, and features research for
small businesses.
If you’re surprised to learn that it’s our public library in [name of community], it’s been
way too long since you visited this dynamic digital community hub.
For public libraries, the combination of technology investment and broadband
deployment yields a cross section of resources: it’s the go-to venue for free computer
and internet access, digital literacy initiatives, as well as databases for small
businesses.
New national research documents the two “killer apps” for technology in today’s
libraries: job search and e-government.
The state-wide data for [name of state] reports that over _____% of public libraries
provide resources and assistance to job seekers and _____% are used for access to
e-government services including unemployment, health care, and tax information.
The new public library statistics are findings from the American Library Association’s
2011 Public Library Funding and Technology Access Study, funded by the Bill &
Melinda Gates Foundation.
Throughout [name of community], we’ve witnessed how technology investment has
changed our public libraries into digital community hubs: both the technology and staff
can guide you to online government resources, serving as a support model for across
the state.
Job seekers know that it’s nearly impossible to apply for a job without computer access
and an e-mail address. Repeatedly, state and national data point to the library as the
number one, and sometimes only option for internet access for those unable to afford
home service.
Here in [name of community], our library provides a wide range of targeted programs
and services to meet the changing needs of our community. [List 2-3 examples for job
seekers and/or small businesses]
[Consider including an example(s) from your library of a person that has been helped.
E.g. Jane Doe of Clarks Summit was one of the people who recently turned to the
library when she was looking for work as a music teacher. She came to the library
almost every day for three months and applied to more than 70 schools before landing a
position. “The library was able to provide a wealth of resources that are not only free,
but also extremely helpful in my job search. The library offered me up-to-date
computers with fast Internet service and printing capabilities. One of the staff members
actually informed me of the resource that ultimately led me to finding a job in my field,”
she said.]
We’ve made strategic investments in [name of community’s] library that must be
sustained and broadened. Libraries are part of the solution for Americans struggling to
regain their footing in uncertain economic times. Keep library doors open with sufficient
staffing – so they can be the partner needed in our financial recovery.
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